Military Servicemembers and Family

Important Facts About Your Florida Driver License and Motor Vehicle

License going to expire when you’re out-of-state or deployed?

If your license is scheduled to expire when you are deployed or stationed outside Florida, the Department encourages you to renew before you deploy or move. Florida drivers may renew a license up to 18 months prior to the expiration date printed on the license.

If you are out-of-state or country with a digital image license (does not have a blue sticker or no-photo), and interested in renewing your license by mail, click here where you can enter your Florida driver license number, check the status of your driver license and if eligible download a renewal application.

Commercial Driver License Renewals

Commercial driver licenses must have both a Florida mailing address and a residential address. Commercial Driver License cardholders with a Hazardous Material endorsement must renew the endorsement in person.

If you are out of state and interested in renewing your license by mail without the hazmat endorsement, click here where you can enter your Florida driver license number, check the status of your driver license and if eligible download a renewal application.

Can’t renew your license online?

If you are not eligible to renew online and hold a Class E (Operator) driver license, the Department can issue a military extension card that extends the expiration date of the license you currently hold until 90 days after you permanently return to Florida or are discharged from the military. You may delay the purchase of a driver license renewal by requesting this free extension card. Click here to download an application. If you have a Commercial Driver License, (Class A,B, or C) your license must be renewed, because we cannot extend commercial licenses.

If you are interested in renewing your license by mail, click here where you can enter your Florida driver license number, check the status of your driver license and if eligible download a renewal application.

Military extension cards may not be accepted in some countries when serving overseas.

Am I required to obtain a Florida Driver License when I move to the state?

Military service members and their families who live and drive in Florida, may do so with a valid out-of-state driver license. There is no requirement to obtain a Florida driver license when military and their family members move to Florida, take a job, or enroll their children in public schools.

Can veterans get a special designation on a driver license or identification card?

Yes, veterans who live in the Sunshine State can add a veteran designation to their driver license or ID card, which is simply a blue “V” on the bottom right portion of the card.

To add the “V” to a license or ID card, veterans can visit any Florida driver license office, to include those operated by county tax collectors. They should plan to:

Present their DD-214, which shows their honorable discharge from active duty.

Pay a one-time $1fee, in additional to the replacement or renewal fee.

If your current license has a blue sticker on the back, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles encourages you to visit a driver license office before you deploy or move out-of-state to obtain a new license with a digital image. You must visit a driver license office for license renewal or replacement (see Required Documents), as we no longer issue blue stickers. Please click here to schedule an appointment at a driver license office convenient to you.

If you are currently out of state and cannot return to Florida, you can apply for a Military Extension Card that extends the expiration date of the license you currently hold until 90 days after you permanently return to Florida or are discharged from the military. You may delay the purchase of a driver license renewal by requesting this free extension card. Military extension cards may not be accepted in some countries when serving overseas. Click here to download an application. If you have a Commercial Driver License, (Class A,B, or C) your license must be renewed, because we cannot extend commercial licenses.

Do you have a No-Photo Florida Driver License?

If the license you have does not have a photograph, you must apply in person to renew or obtain a replacement license.

If you are currently out of state and cannot return to Florida, you can apply for a Military Extension Card that extends the expiration date of the license you currently hold until 90 days after you permanently return to Florida or are discharged from the military. You may delay the purchase of a driver license renewal by requesting this free extension card. Military extension cards may not be accepted in some countries when serving overseas. Click here to download an application. If you have a Commercial Driver License, (Class A,B, or C) your license must be renewed, because we cannot extend commercial licenses.

Renew or replace your license online

If you have a digital image license (does not have a blue sticker or no photo) you may renew your license by mail or online at www.GoRenew.com one time between office visits. In addition, you may order a replacement license at www.GoRenew.com at any time if your address changes or if you lose your license. If your name changes while you are deployed or out-of-state, please contact the Department by clicking here and selecting Name Change from the drop-down menu.

Military Extension Card

The Department can issue a military extension card that extends the expiration date of the license you currently hold until 90 days after you permanently return to Florida or are discharged from the military. You may delay the purchase of a driver license renewal by requesting this free extension card. Click here to download an application. Family members (husband, wife, children) of a military member are also eligible for the “military extension card.” If you have a Commercial Driver License, (Class A,B, or C) your license must be renewed, because we cannot extend commercial licenses.

Military extension cards may not be accepted in some countries when serving overseas.

Registering your Emergency Contact Information

By registering your emergency contacts into the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ Emergency Contact Information system, you provide law enforcement officials with information on who they should contact during an emergency, such as a crash. The Department houses the information in a secure database that only law enforcement officers can access.

Even if you previously registered your contacts, we recommend that you update the registry if your contacts change or if they move or change their phone number. Not only should servicemembers make sure to register your emergency contacts, but also it’s a good idea to make sure loved ones update their information too, especially during a deployment if the servicemember is the emergency contact.

Anyone who has a Florida driver license or ID card can register his/her emergency contact information in the system. Children as young as five years old are eligible for a Florida ID card.

Do homeless veterans and their dependents qualify for a free Florida Identification card?

Yes. Homeless veterans, their spouse and children are eligible for a free Florida Identification card. You must visit a driver license office for an ID card renewal or replacement. To learn more about the required documents click here. In addition to those listed below, you will need to bring a letter from a homeless organization or a VA HUD-VASH letter.

How can a disabled veteran renew his or her disabled parking permit?

A veteran who has been previously evaluated and certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the United States Armed Forces as permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability may provide a United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Form Letter 27-333, or its equivalent, issued within the last 12 months in lieu of a certificate of disability (form HSMV 83039 – signed by the certifying physician) to renew his or her disabled parking permit.

How can a disabled veteran obtain a replacement for a disabled parking permit that has been lost or stolen?

A veteran who has been previously evaluated and certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or any branch of the United States Armed Forces as permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability may provide a United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Form Letter 27-333, or its equivalent, issued within the last 12 months in lieu of a certificate of disability (form HSMV 83039 – signed by the certifying physician) to replace a lost or stolen disabled parking permit.

What benefits does a 100 percent disabled veteran receive?

Under Section 322.21, Florida Statute, veterans with a 100 percent service-connected disability are eligible for a no fee driver license, with endorsements, or an identification card. The same veterans are also entitled to a no fee Veteran’s designation on their driver license or ID card. The “V” designation can be used to show proof of status for discounts at participating merchants. Qualified veterans should provide a valid identification card from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating the 100 percent, total and permanent service-connected disability rating.

Under Section 320.084, Florida Statute, 100 percent disabled veterans are eligible for a “DV” license plate at no charge to the applicant.

Under Section 316.1964(8), the disable veterans with a “DV” license plate are exempt from paying parking fees statewide.

Renewing your vehicle or boat registration

You may renew motor vehicle, trailer and vessel registrations up to three months prior to your birth month. Please contact your local county tax collector’s office or license plate agency or renew online at www.GoRenew.com. You may change the address on your registration at www.GoRenew.com.

Register your motor vehicle for two years at a time

You can avoid the worry and hassle of making sure your vehicle registration is renewed during your deployment by selecting the biennial option when you renew.

Power of Attorney

You can give a general or a limited Power of Attorney to a family member or a trusted friend to handle your motor vehicle needs and registration. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides a limited Power of Attorney (form HSMV 82053) for your use.

Selling your vehicle?

Florida motor vehicle owners must notify the Department when selling a motorvehicle, mobile home or vessel. To accomplish this, complete form HSMV 82050 and submit it to your local tax collector’s office or to the address on the top of the form within 30 days from the date of sale. If you have given Power of Attorney to a family member or friend, he/she may complete the form on your behalf. By filing this form, you can avoid any civil liability for the operation of the sold motor vehicle, mobile home or vessel. In addition to filing this form, we suggest you keep a copy of your bill of sale, certificate of title or other type of transaction document that proves you sold the vehicle.

Do National Guard members qualify for a free license plate?

Yes. All active Florida National Guard members are eligible for one tax-free license plate registration or renewal each year. However, the specialty, personalized, processing, Amateur Radio and Initial Registration fees are due when applicable. The qualifying applicant and his/her first sergeant or commanding officer must complete Form HSMV 83034 each year. Click here for additional information.

Stationed in Florida and wondering if you have to register your vehicle here?

While you have the option to purchase a Florida license plate when stationed here, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Relief Act of 1940 authorizes non-resident servicemembers to display a current license plate from their home state.

Stationed in Florida and wondering if you’re exempt from the Initial Registration Fee?

Non-resident servicemembers stationed in Florida who purchase a Florida license plate are eligible to claim a fee exemption. The person claiming the exemption must complete and sign Form HSMV 82002. For details, click here .

Is there a package of forms for active duty military members to assist them with titling and registering their vehicles?

Click here for information about the Medal of Honor license plate and to find out the types of motor vehicles that may bear a military license plate.

What to bring to the Office?

Be sure to bring required documents the next time you visit a driver license office:

One of the following documents to prove your identity:

Certified U.S. birth certificate

Valid U.S. passport or passport card

Certificate of naturalization

Consular report of birth abroad

Certificate of citizenship

One of the following documents to prove your Social Security number:

Military ID card

Social Security card

W-2 form

Pay check showing number

SSA-1099

Non SSA-1099

Two of the following documents to prove your residential address:

Deed, mortgage, payment booklet or rental agreement

Florida vehicle registration or title

Utility bill or hookup/work order, not more than two months old

Florida Voter Registration Card

Documents to prove legal name change (if applicable)

Original or certified copy of all marriage certificates or court orders that show your name changes. Documents must link the name on your identity document (i.e. birth certificate) to your current legal name.

Non U.S. Citizens: Document requirements are the same for Social Security number (if issued) and residential address. For acceptable identification documents, visit GatherGoGet.

For more information to prepare you for your next trip to the driver license office, visit GatherGoGet.

Does the Department support National Guard and Reserve?

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles proudly supports our employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. For information about DHSMV’s support of the Guard and Reserve, click here or view a video by clicking here.